Harlem On Lock by Karen Williams / 249 pages. Read in 48 days

This book was the best of the year thus far. Karen Williams knew what she was doing when she created yet another good read. The book was one that took days to read over and over because it was too graphic to be a quick read. There were days when the graphics was too real that a break was needed. This book introduces Harlem, a young 17 year old beauty who knows nothing but hard times. From the day she was born in Harlem New York her luck was shot. Things really got rough when she moved three days after she was born to California. She had no idea what her life was up against. From the moment they settled outside of Los Angeles in the projects, the drama began. Her mom Aja was a very talented jazz singer but her addiction to heroin won her life over. Her dad Earl wasn't any better. Their addiction has put Harlem in the hot seat many days and she was left to fend for herself. There were times when she would be forced to use her hands to please her landlord to keep them from getting kicked out. She even had to strip to pay back her parents debts to local dealers. Once her mother was lost her battle to heroin, her father took things to another level by raping her, then pinning her down to a bed for weeks while he charged the local’s to come in and have their way with her. This went on until the head honcho in the drug world, named Chief found out and took Harlem in for herself as his main boo. He started out showing that he wanted the best for her but eventually, power and drugs got the best of him and he begin to also take advantage and embarrass Harlem in front of everyone he knew. Chief tried his hardest to ruin Harlem and give her more hell than she was born into with her own parents. This lasted for years until Harlem finally stood up to Chief and made him pay for the misery with his life. In the end, Harlem walked away with her true love and learning about her real father.

Harlem On Lock was definitely a fulfilling read and worth taking the time to read!